Controlling magnetization in ferromagnetic semiconductors by current-induced spin-orbit torque*
Prof. Jacek Furdyna
Emeritus Professor
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Notre Dame
I will present a review of studies on how to manipulate magnetization in ferromagnetic semiconductors (FMSs) by using electric-current-induced spin-orbit torque (SOT). This talk will focus on FMS layers from the (Ga,Mn)As family grown by molecular beam epitaxy. I will briefly discuss the methods of preparation of these materials, and what makes them ferromagnetic. I will also discuss mechanisms for obtaining spin polarization of current carriers, a condition that is required for manipulating magnetization by electric current. I will then use specific examples to describe experiments for switching magnetization in ferromagnetic semiconductor thin layers with magnetic easy axis either in-plane or out-of-plane of the layer. This will include discussion of practical motivation for our work, comparison of SOT manipulation of magnetization in single FMS layers with other methods of such manipulation, and – if time permits – discussion of some future research directions in this area.
*In collaboration with Xinyu Liu (Notre Dame) and Sanghoon Lee (Korea University).
Hosted by Prof. Assaf